Lock accessory for lever action rifles

ABSTRACT

This patent application describes an accessory for lever action rifles which enables the user to secure such rifles against unauthorized use with readily available trigger style locks. Lever action rifles are inherently difficult to secure due to the integration of the operating lever and trigger guard. Common trigger locks rely on the immobility of the trigger guard to secure themselves in place. A lever action arrangement renders this method useless, as the combination operating lever and trigger guard can be swung out of the way, freeing the lock from the rifle, and enabling unauthorized use. Many designs for cable style locks exist, but these almost all require that cable be threaded either through the action or the barrel of the rifle, which poses a risk of damage to the rifle and is usually rather difficult to achieve. Also, these designs force the action to remain open, exposing them to potentially dangerous contamination. This invention obviates the need for such locks with their inherent risks and difficulties by simply providing for the concurrent securing of the trigger and of the lever action to the rifle stock. Thus, users will be enabled to simply and inexpensively secure their rifles, without creating unnecessary risks or difficulty.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to the securing of firearms against unauthorized use. There are many trigger lock designs available, but the great majority of them rely upon the immobility of the trigger guard of the firearm being secured. In the case of lever action rifles this renders them ineffective. Additionally, while cable type padlocks may be used to secure the lever portion of such firearms, they generally do not secure the trigger, and permit enough freedom of movement to tamper with the action. When threaded through the action, these locks hold the action open, exposing them to potentially harmful or dangerous contamination. Also, the freedom of movement of the cable type lock allows for the possibility of damage to common accessories, ie. telescopic sights, while the rifle is being transported.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention comprises a hinged enclosure, closely fitted to the contour of the stock and combination lever and trigger guard of certain common lever action rifles and provided with an opening to allow fitment of a trigger lock. Properly applied, the trigger lock secures the invention to the rifle, which in turn secures the lever. This effectively locks the action in the closed position without interfering with the internal portions of the action. In the closed position, the action is protected from tampering and the entry of contamination. The enclosure also includes provision for threading a cable style lock through the enclosure and the rifle's lever loop, allowing the user to lock the firearm to any convenient, secure location. Thus, the rifle may be secured against theft, tampering, and unauthorized use. The enclosure fits closely enough that it does not interfere with or risk damaging common accessories, and takes up so little space that it does not complicate the packaging of the secured firearm in common rifle cases for transport. This invention is not intended to render any firearm foolproof or failsafe in any way, only to allow conscientious users to enjoy the benefits of readily available trigger locks without undue complication or inconvenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0006] 1. Front view.

[0007] 2. Side view.

[0008] 3. Front view, as fitted to rifle, front view including trigger guard type lock.

[0009] 4. View for the Official Gazette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The lock accessory consists of a hinged enclosure, closely fitted to the contours of the stock and combination lever and trigger guard of certain common lever action rifles and provided with an opening to allow fitment of a trigger lock.

[0011] The body of the enclosure is to be constructed of heavy gauge sheet steel, cut and formed to the required shape. The two halves are joined across the top junction with a suitably durable hinge, providing freedom of movement to remove the enclosure when the separate trigger lock is removed. Such a hinge also prevents tampering by defeating the hinge, ie., by removing the hinge pin. The hinge may be either welded in place, or formed as an integral portion of the enclosure.

[0012] When installed on a rifle, which should preferably be stored with the magazine and chamber empty, the two halves of the enclosure fit around the stock and lever to deny access to the lever, and such that a tab at the lever side of one half restricts the normal travel of the lever. A common post style trigger lock is then fitted through the provided holes in each half. This secures the enclosure to the lever assembly, preventing movement of the lever. In turn, the now secured lever and enclosure holds the trigger lock in place on the rifle. Thus, it is not possible for unauthorized users to cycle the action or remove the trigger lock. Depending on the specific design of individual rifles, it may still be possible to feed ammunition into the magazine, or to cock the hammer; however, since the lever and trigger are secured, it will not be possible to chamber ammunition, or to operate the trigger normally to fire the rifle.

[0013] The enclosure may also be separately secured through some secondary means, ie., a cable or padlock type lock to secure the firearm in place.. There are currently available locking enclosures intended to secure handguns from unauthorized use, but these are designed to enclose substantially all of the operating portions of a handgun. This renders such designs ineffective for application to lever action rifles. Further, their substantial bulk precludes their use when a rifle is packed in common rifle cases for transport.

[0014] In order to prevent damage to the firearm being secured, as well as those in close proximity, ie., storage or transport, the enclosure is to be either coated with a rubberized type coating or lined with some appropriate cushioning material, ie., adhesive backed felt. 

1. I claim an enclosure which fits closely over the stock and lever portion of a lever action rifle. This enclosure provides for both securing the lever from motion, and fitment of a trigger guard type lock. The hinged enclosure is provided with openings to allow the post of a trigger guard type lock to pass through, securing the enclosure to the firearm. 